Details of the GO Team Structure

Details of the GO Team Structure

On August 2, 2010, the new Geographical Operation – or GO – Team structure took effect at Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT.) These cross-functional teams are organized into five regions, named by color, and are comprised of staff who support specific functions for each region.

Each GO Team includes specialists in the areas of Community Cultivation, Retention, Recruitment and Program. The specialists work together to ensure their designated service areas have the appropriate information and support from GSSWT to allow the service units to maximize resources and operate more efficiently and effectively. Although each specialist focuses their time to one function, they are also trained to support other positions and are experts in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and Pathways.

Each specialist position is listed below with a brief list of responsibilities:

Community Cultivation Specialist

Collaborates with the External Affairs department to implement community cultivation strategies that result in successful recruitment of Girl Scout alumnae, new girl and adult members, and financial support for Girl Scout operations

Supports the development and implementation of grants

Represents GSSWT at public events, fairs and festivals

Supports council strategies for adult generated income, including the SHARE Family Partnership Campaign, special events, and troop sponsorships

Interprets and promotes the importance and relevance of Girl Scouting to community groups, civic organizations, schools, and other potential GSSWT partners

Is supported by GSSWT’s Chief of External Affairs

Recruitment Specialist

Collaborates with the Communications department to implement marketing strategies that result in the successful recruitment of girls and adult volunteers throughout the council’s jurisdiction

Establishes relationships with area school districts and conducts recruitment activities. Is responsible for recruiting girls and adult volunteers across all pathways

Attends service unit meetings and supports service unit activities and events

Interprets and promotes the importance and relevance of Girl Scouting to community groups, civic organizations, schools, and other potential Girl Scout partners

Represents GSSWT at public events, fairs and festivals

Is supported by GSSWT’s Chief Communications Officer

Retention Specialist

Attends service unit meetings and supports service unit activities and events

Assists with volunteer mentoring, assessment and reappointments

Tracks a variety of reports, including financial management reports, program participation reports, girl served reports and product sales reports

Serves as a resource for adult volunteers regarding GSUSA and GSSWT policies, procedures, standards and guidelines

Collaborates with membership, volunteerism and program to create and implement local plans for volunteer participation growth across pathways

Is supported by GSSWT’s Director of Volunteer Development

Program Specialist

Contributes to the council’s Program/Adult Learning (PAL) Guide through the development of program opportunities in assigned area

Assists in incorporating the Girl Scout Leadership Experience into service unit activities and events

Implement Girl Scout activities through schools and other youth-serving agencies

Advises girls and adult volunteers about girl leadership awards, such as the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold awards

The new GO Team structure increases the number of staff providing direct service to girls and/or adult volunteers from 19 to 25 (an increase of 24 percent.) The new structure significantly increases resources dedicated to volunteer development and girl program.

Two full-time positions have been added to the Volunteer Development department (an increase of 200 percent), and in partnership with six Retention Specialists on the GO Teams there are more staff focused on providing support and guidance to adult volunteers than ever before.

All changes in the staff structure, including the addition of several new positions, were accomplished using current resources allocated to GSSWT’s Human Resources department.